Mississippi SBDC Network

09/07/2026

You are already conducting market research whenever you notice a new competitor, a shift in customer behavior, or a change in sales. The next step is learning how to use that information intentionally.

Join Jill Dietz, Market Research Lead for the Mississippi SBDC Network, to learn how no-cost research tools and AI can help you identify your best customers, understand what they want, determine where to reach them, and turn your findings into meaningful business action.

📅 Tuesday, September 22
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
💻 Live via Zoom

This is Week 4 of the no-cost Small Business Matters series.

Register here: https://loom.ly/FKKf5KU

09/04/2026

The Mississippi SBDC Network is moving small business support forward!

We’re excited to share that the Mississippi SBDC Network has started the statewide rollout of Catalyzer, a new platform from Economic Impact Catalyst designed to create a more connected experience for our counselors and the entrepreneurs we serve.

By streamlining client management, advising, referrals, reporting and other administrative processes, Catalyzer will help our team spend less time managing systems — and more time doing what matters most: helping Mississippi entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed.

As State Director Sharon Nichols shared, technology will never replace the personal connection between a counselor and a business owner. Instead, it gives our team better tools, better insights and more time to support each entrepreneur along their journey.

We’re proud to continue investing in innovative ways to strengthen small businesses and communities across Mississippi.

🔗 Read the full announcement here: https://loom.ly/THDLkHI

09/04/2026

🎟️ Early bird tickets are still on sale for Accelerate 2026!

Join Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi SBDC Network for Accelerate: Connecting Mississippi’s Startup Ecosystem, November 10–11 at The Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center.

Accelerate brings together entrepreneurs, founders, funders, business leaders, innovators, and resource partners from across Mississippi to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities for business growth. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, conversations around innovation and entrepreneurship, opportunities to build valuable connections, and much more.

Save on your ticket when you register by October 5!

Register today at https://accelerate.innovate.ms/.

09/03/2026

In case you missed it! 🍕🏆

Leña Pizza + Bagels in Cleveland was recently recognized as the Mississippi SBDC Network’s 2026 Dining Destination of the Year, and The Delta News was there to capture the celebration!

The award recognizes Leña for its contribution to Mississippi’s culinary tourism, the distinctive dining experience it has created in the Delta, and the attention it continues to bring to Cleveland and Mississippi’s growing food scene.

Congratulations again to owner Marisol Doyle, her family, and the entire Leña Pizza + Bagels team!

Read the full story from Delta News here: https://loom.ly/LdiLjjc

CLEVELAND, MS - The Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network crowned one Delta restaurant Dining Destination of the Year.

09/02/2026

Join Kendall Causey, Digital Transformation Lead for the Mississippi SBDC Network, for "Digital Marketing Foundations: Websites, Search, and Social Media."

Learn practical ways to strengthen your website, improve search visibility, optimize your Google Business Profile, plan social media content, and use artificial intelligence tools to save time.

📅 Tuesday, September 15
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
💻 Live via Zoom
💲 No cost to attend

This is Week 3 of the Small Business Matters virtual series.

Register here: https://loom.ly/tn-RYkk

08/28/2026

Still recognizing a special celebration in Cleveland!

On Tuesday, we joined Leña Pizza + Bagels to recognize the business as the Mississippi SBDC Network’s 2026 Dining Destination of the Year. 🍕🏆

This award celebrates Leña’s impact on Mississippi’s culinary tourism, the memorable dining experience it has created in the heart of the Delta, and the national attention it continues to bring to Cleveland and Mississippi’s food scene.

Congratulations to owner Marisol Doyle, her husband Rory Doyle, and the entire Leña Pizza + Bagels team on this well-deserved recognition!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to help celebrate this Mississippi small business and its contribution to tourism, hospitality, and the local community.

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith | Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

08/27/2026

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to celebrate Leña Pizza + Bagels in Cleveland as the Mississippi SBDC Network’s 2026 Dining Destination of the Year! 🍕🏆

As part of our 2026 Statewide Awards celebrating Tourism and Hospitality, this recognition honors Leña Pizza + Bagels for its contribution to Mississippi’s culinary tourism, the distinctive dining experience it has created in the heart of the Delta, and the national attention it continues to bring to Cleveland and Mississippi’s local dining scene.

Congratulations to owner Marisol Doyle, her husband Rory Doyle, and the entire Leña team on this well-deserved recognition!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the celebration, including those pictured (in no particular order):
• Marisol and Rory Doyle, Leña Pizza + Bagels
• Gene Finley, Center Director, Mississippi SBDC at MS Delta
• Sharon Nichols, State Director, Mississippi SBDC Network
• Derek Stephens, Assistant State Director, Mississippi SBDC Network
• Bill Crump, Field Office Representative Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
• Shander Gund, Field Representative for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

We’re excited to recognize businesses like Leña that are creating memorable experiences for visitors, strengthening their communities, and helping showcase all that Mississippi has to offer.

Congratulations, Leña Pizza and Bagels! 🎉

08/27/2026

We are incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Dining Destination of the Year award from the Mississippi SBDC Network 🙏

This statewide award feels especially meaningful as the organization celebrates tourism and hospitality across Mississippi this year. We’re grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate, and for all of you who continue to support us and help make Leña a destination. Come Visit Cleveland Mississippi and see us!

08/27/2026

🎟️ Early bird tickets are officially on sale for Accelerate 2026!

Join Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi SBDC Network for Accelerate: Connecting Mississippi’s Startup Ecosystem, November 10–11 at The Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center.

Accelerate brings together entrepreneurs, founders, funders, business leaders, innovators, and resource partners from across Mississippi to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities for business growth. Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions, conversations around innovation and entrepreneurship, opportunities to build valuable connections, and much more.

Save on your ticket when you register by October 5!

Register today at https://accelerate.innovate.ms/.